These guidelines are only applicable to double-deck car parks (commonly known as car stackers [1]) used solely for the raising of motor vehicles, which do not pass through any floor and the height of travel of which do not exceed 3.5m.
Mechanized vehicle parking systems not satisfying the condition above are subject to the control of the Lifts and Escalators Ordinance (Cap. 618).
The double-deck car park normally has two parking spaces, one above the other. The vehicle in the lower parking space has to be removed in order to allow lowering of the platform at the upper stop position.
Prior to the commencement of works every person for whom the installation of a double-deck car park is to be carried out shall appoint an authorized person or a registered structural engineer. Such appointed person should submit to the Building Authority the proposal together with corresponding structural justification demonstrating the stability of the double-deck car park and structural adequacy of the building in which the car park is to be installed.
The platform holding the motor vehicle shall be mechanically locked automatically when it reaches the upper stop position. A visual indication or audible signal will be given, if the platform has not reached the upper or lower stop position or has not been mechanically locked.
Unless there are other means to prevent lifting a motor vehicle exceeding the capacity of the platform/equipment, an overload device should be installed to prevent any movement of the platform and to give an alarm when the load on the elevating platform is in excess of the rated capacity.
The movement of the platform shall be stopped, unless the operator keeps his hand on the local control device during the raising or lowering process.
A key-locked switch to avoid any unauthorised operation should be provided.
Automatic or permanent chocks shall be provided to arrest any unpowered movement of the vehicle on the platform.
A device shall be provided to lower the platform when the normal power supply fails.
These guidelines are issued by General Legislation Division of Electrical and Mechanical Services Department. Compliance with these guidelines does not of itself confer immunity from any legal obligation.